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He said: “The impact of knife and gun crime is acutely felt across the communities of Coventry and the wider West Midlands.

"Clearly, one gun or knife-related crime is one too many. The consequences of carrying knives can be catastrophic - I have seen people suffer very serious injuries, I have seen the impact on families and I have seen mainly young men face the consequences and spend many years behind bars.

File pic (Image: John Stillwell/PA Wire)

"If we look at the level of knife crime across Coventry and the West Midlands we can see that although the statistics have increased over the past three years, it comes following a considerable decline leading up to the last few years.

"Nevertheless, there is still much work to do and this is a priority for me in Coventry.

"Key in fighting knife and gun crime is that police, partners and the community work together on prevention and diversionary measures as well as enforcement to discourage people from carrying and using weapons."

Commader of Coventry Police, Chief Superintendent Mike O'Hara.

Carrying is knife is "not glamorous"

The past 12 months or so has seen a number of stabbings or incidents involving knives or blades in Coventry.

Chf Supt O'Hara stated: "Knife crime is a complex problem that cannot be solved by police enforcement alone. Many tragic knife crimes are entirely preventable and are often the cause of young people making the wrong decision.

"My view is that it is our collective responsibility to help young people make the right decision - the decision not to carry a knife. It is not glamorous, it is not necessary for your own protection and there is a significant chance your knife could be used against you."